2022 Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon earned 93 pts from James Suckling and 91.5 pts from Ken's Wine Guide. Reviewers note black currant, blackberry, tobacco, dried herbs, fine tannins, fresh acidity, and an elegant, balanced Napa style.
Tom Cat is aged for six months in American White Oak casks. The barrel imparts whiskey-like notes of oak and spice, into the gin which carries with it a soft honey finish.
NOM 1449
Aged for eight months in American white-oak barrels, Don Julio® Reposado Tequila is golden amber in color, and offers a rich, smooth finish—the very essence of the perfect barrel-aged tequila.
Domenico Clerico Barolo 2021 has no major published scores yet. Expect rose petal, cherry, raspberry, orange peel, and licorice notes with firm Nebbiolo tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish. Estimated quality: 93–95 pts.
Château Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2022 shows cassis, blackberry, graphite, cedar, and tobacco with rich concentration and refined tannins. Rated 91–95 pts, this polished Pauillac delivers power, balance, and impressive aging potential.
Château La Croix Saint Georges Pomerol 2023 scores ~92–93 pts overall. Critics praise its rich plum, blackberry, chocolate, floral notes, silky texture, ripe tannins, and polished finish. A plush, elegant Merlot-driven Pomerol with aging potential through
Crown Royal is a Canadian blended whisky known for its smooth, easy-drinking style. It offers notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and light spice. Versatile and approachable, it’s popular neat, on ice, or in cocktails.
While Patrick Piuze's Bourgogne Tonnerre “Les Boutots” 2024 has no major critic scores yet, early notes highlight citrus, apple, white flowers, chalky minerality, saline freshness, and bright acidity. Based on producer track record, expect ~90–92 pts.
Big fan of G4. The reposado is truly an extension of the blanco. The agave really shines through. G4 has a distinctive flavor for me that I pick up in each expression. It has light notes of oak, peppers, very vegetal and buttery.
Bulleit Bottled in Bond is spicy & fruity on the nose. On the palate, it has notes of lightly toasted oak, maple & nutmeg, with a sweet butterscotch finish.
Bulleit Bottled in Bond is proudly 100 Proof, 50% ABV.
Where the nose is big and lively, the palate starts off soft and gentle before transitioning to flavors of vanilla, green tea, toasted hazelnuts, and dried fruits. There is a touch of herbaceous-ness here, but never feels “piney”. This is still closer to
Silky, elegant Provence red with blackberry, plum, cherry, violet, white pepper, licorice and smoky herbs. Fresh, balanced palate with fine tannins and a long, savory finish. Highly regarded by drinkers (4.2/5 Vivino) for its depth, freshness and refineme
Au Bon Climat Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2020 is elegant and Burgundian, with Meyer lemon, nectarine, white flowers, almond and spice. Fresh acidity and chalky minerality frame a long finish. 93 WE | 92 Vinous | 92 KWG.
For me, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is a reliable and delicious step up from the standard JD expression.
by Phil Dwyer
January 23, 2025
Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.
